India Today Conclave
India Today Conclave

3 Nutritionist-Approved Desserts That Are Actually Healthy and Tasty

Packed with healthy ingredients such as banana, oats and more, nutritionist Sheryl Salis shares her own recipes for guilt-free desserts.

07 July, 2020
3 Nutritionist-Approved Desserts That Are Actually Healthy and Tasty

Do you feel guilty when your binge sessions wreak havoc with your fitness plans? Well, a cheat meal here and there will actually help you stick to your regime and provide you with the motivation to work out. However, if you constantly crave for healthier options to satiate your sweet tooth, here's help.

We spoke to nutritionist Sheryl Salis to know about her personal favourite dessert recipes that are tasty and packed with healthy ingredients that benefit you.  

Moist Banana Bread

Guilt-free tip: Egg is a power-packed food with many vital nutrients. It is a high biological value protein, the only source of albumin, the yolk has the fat-soluble vitamins – Vit D and Vit A, Zinc, choline and biotin which are essential nutrients for health.

moist banana bread

Ingredients

4 ripe bananas
¼ cup cold-pressed virgin coconut oil
2 large eggs
¼ cup pureed dates
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup chocolate chips (optional)

Method

-    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease the loaf pan
-    In a mixing bowl mash, the bananas with a fork. Add the virgin coconut oil and pureed dates to the mash and use a mixer to blend until smooth
-    Beat in the eggs and vanilla essence
-    In another medium glass bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon 
-    Then gradually add the flour mixture to the banana mixture on a low-speed mixer just until its all blended. Do not over mix, that might yield a tough banana bread
-    In the end, you can add in the chocolate chips
-    Pour the banana bread batter into the greased loaf pan
-    Bake for about 50-55 minutes. Check by inserting a skewer or toothpick in the centre, if it comes out clean the banana bread is ready
-    Cool for 10-15 minutes and enjoy!

Oat and Apple Pancakes with Yogurt and Honey

Guilt-free tip: Oats contain a specific type of fiber known as beta-glucan which not only gives satiety but has been proven to reduce cholesterol levels and help manage weight.

apple pancakes

Ingredients

1 cup whole wheat flour
¾ cup rolled oats
¼ cup finely chopped peanuts or almonds
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg
1¾ cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil, plus more for skillet
1 medium apple peeled, cored, sliced crosswise ¼ inch thick
Plain yoghurt (for serving)

Method

-    Whisk flour, oats, peanuts, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk egg, buttermilk, 1 tbsp honey, and 2 Tbsp. oil in a medium bowl; mix into dry ingredients.
-    Heat a griddle or large nonstick skillet over medium; brush with oil. Place 2 apple slices in skillet, spacing about ½" apart, and cook until lightly golden for about 1 minute. Turnover and pour ⅓ cup batter over apples, spreading batter to cover. Cook pancake until bottom is golden brown and bubbles form on the surface, about 3 minutes
-    Flip and cook until cooked through and other side is golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining apple slices and batter, brushing griddle with more oil as needed.
-    Serve pancakes with yoghurt.

Banana and Spinach Smoothie Muffins

Guilt-free tip: Banana is food which helps to instantly boost energy levels. It contains tryptophan which helps induce sleep. It is a rich source of potassium and helps keep blood pressure in control. Raw banana is also a good prebiotic which helps maintain gut health.

muffins

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas
¼ cup Cold pressed virgin coconut oil
1 cup baby spinach
1/4th cup pureed dates
1 ½ cup whole wheat flour
1 egg
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Method

-    Puree the bananas and spinach in a blender
-    In a medium sized glass bowl, combine the flour, eggs, salt, cinnamon and baking soda
-    Pour the smoothie mixture and pureed dates into the bowl and mix well
-    Prep muffin cups in the muffin pan and add in the batter, filling each cup about three quarters full
-    Pre heat the over at 350 degrees F
-    Bake for about 20-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick to see if it comes out clean
-    Allow the muffins to cool

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